After the National Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) announced COVID-19 regulations were being lifted earlier this week, students in UAE schools are no longer compelled to wear masks.
The NCEMA revealed the new COVID-19 regulations for the UAE’s numerous sectors, including the education sector, during a press conference on September 26.
Here is everything you need to know about the guidelines your kids must go by under the new protocol.
Face masks become optional
Three significant changes to the COVID-19 protocol for the education sector were highlighted by NCEMA in the announcement:
- In accordance with the national education protocol, precautionary measures will be put into place.
- Face masks are no longer required in both open and closed areas.
- As previously stated, the Green Pass system will be used.
The protocol came into effect from September 28.
What is the National Education Protocol?
On August 23, in advance of the start of classes, NCEMA released the national guidelines for operating schools for the 2022–2023 academic year.
All students, including those who are vaccinated for medical reasons or with a medical exemption, were permitted to attend lessons as part of the national protocol.
Other COVID-19 regulations were also relaxed, including the ban on social distancing policies inside of facilities. Schools and universities are now free to implement policies at their own discretion.
What happens if a student tests positive?
In its announcement on September 23, NCEMA also changed its protocol for close contacts, requiring people who tested positive to isolate for five days, either at home or in a facility.
Take a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test if symptoms occur if someone in your family tests positive and you were in close touch.
Also Read: From September 28, UAE will follow new COVID-19 rules